Yearbook 2020

Message from the Principal

Forty four years of existence is truly a significant milestone in the

life of any educational institution. Our school motto, “Unite and
Work for Progress” has richly guided us in making enormous strides
in the education of our students. Our students can be found in all
spheres of Jamaican life, many of them making remarkable
contributions towards nation building.

No child soars too high if he/she soars on his/her own effort.
Graduates, heartiest congratulations on reaching this milestone on
the first wrung of your educational pursuit. Five years ago on your
journey to Cambridge High School, many of you thought it
impossible to reach graduation, but take a bow. You embraced the
fact that discipline is the essence of education. You adhered to the
rules and regulations, you were responsible students, you wanted your dream to be realized and now we
are celebrating this momentous occasion.

The world we live in today looks drastically different than the one we knew just a few months ago.
Graduates at all levels are deprived of the ceremonies their academic achievements deserve. I know that
many of you have successfully navigated challenging situations in the past, and while this one is certainly
both historic and unique, I am confident that you will be resilient and that each of you will not only
persevere, but learn from this experience.

As you move up and onward, I want to remind you that your accomplishments are still worth celebrating
even in today’s turbulent times. Continue to garner wisdom and understanding, as you further your
education. Undoubtedly, these shall preserve you from poverty, squalor and degradation in mind, body
and spirit and the years of your life shall be many.

Though these challenges can make it difficult to remain hopeful, remember that it is more important than
ever that we look to the future!

May God Almighty bless you on your journey onward!

Mr. Harry Hanson
Principal

Message from the Vice-Principal of Academic Affairs

Congratulations Class of 2020.Arise and go forward with Education. You boldly stepped into the virtual classes and
have improved your competence
confidence, children of the future. Go tremendously. You have demonstrated your
make your mark in this great, big, maturity and resourcefulness in completing
diverse world. It is now your time to your School Based Assessment projects and
write your story on the world’s stage. assignments remotely, in addition to,
As appropriately expressed in a popular submitting them electronically. These are
Latin phrase: “Carpe Diem”, which tangible testaments of your intellectual
when translated in English means, seize stamina.
the moment. Go find your way; go
carve your path, by creating your niche Bravo! Bravo class of 2020.You have fought
in the pages of history. a good fight; you have weathered the storm
and will long be remembered in the pages of
You are poised for greatness, Cambridge High as the first batch of students
individually, as well as, collectively, so who completed your CSEC Examinations
go, take a stand, Class of 2020, the under such adverse conditions. I have no doubt that you
Forty Third Batch of Cambridge High School Graduates. I will also in the future earn the distinction of being among
realize that as you reflect on the impact that COVID 19 has the pioneers in Jamaica for other educational milestones
had on the final chapters of your sojourn at this noble and achievements.
institution, you will undoubtedly experience, a powerful
mixture of overwhelming emotions. Naturally, you will Today, I charge you to continue to be resilient and use all
feel a sense of regret, mixed with a tinge of remorse, as these challenges imbedded in these experiences to
well as, that sense of deep loss. Yes, you have loss motivate you to be better and not bitter. Go forth and
precious time. We understand that the sudden and shine. Do not succumb to peer or global pressure to be
unprecedented changes brought about by this pandemic, ordinary. “Take A Stand. Reach out your hands and
has robbed you of priceless months of bonding, thus Unite and Work for Progress”. On behalf of your teachers
depriving you all, of several much anticipated, social event and members of the administrative team, we commend you
on the school’s Calendar of Events. We sympathize with and wish you the very best. We are confident that you will
you, as we share your pains of not being able to participate not only survive but thrive. So, we send you off with love
in your Grand Finale: Graduation 2020.Despite this, take and much blessings. According to Doris Day: Que Sera,
solace in the fact that memories do not leave like people Sera. Whatever will be will be……The future is not ours
do. Your fellow students, classmates and friends will to see……, but it is yours for the taking! May God order
reserve a special place in the archives of your memories your steps daily and lead you into your purpose and
regardless of these unexpected handicaps. destiny. Walk good my children and may God Bless you
abundantly.
Graduates, truly your batch can be appropriately be
described, as the group that has boldly done, that which no Mrs. Marcia Mungo
other group has ever done before. You have experienced Vice Principal of Academic Affairs
and participated in a dynamic era of Technology in

Message from the Vice-Principal of Student Affairs
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Message from the Dean of Discipline

Congratulations, you are now official alumni of Cambridge High School! I’m sure

many of you are using the acronyms T.G.I.O. which means ‘Thank God It’s Over”.
However, it is not over, it has now just started. A new adventure awaits you. While
you are on your new journey in life, I would like for you take with you three things, a
scripture, a wise quote, and some good advice.
The scripture is Proverbs 13:20. It states, “He that walketh with wise men shall be
wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed”. It is simply stating that your
associates in life, has a lot to do with your thoughts and actions in life, so be careful.
I’m feeling generous so I will give you two wise quotes. “God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the
gift of living well.”– Voltaire
“No one ever finds life worth living - one has to make it worth living.”– Winston Churchill
These two quotes are stating that it is possible and in your control to make life as you choose. It is not given to you nor
should you expect a great life unless you make a great life.

Finally, I will give you some good advice. Always remember the term ‘Self Preservation’. You must take care of yourself
before you can take care of anybody or anything in life. Life is a struggle. Always take time when needed to take a step
back out of the struggle for a moment and regroup, rethink, and relax. Then you can go back into the struggle.

In conclusion, I hope that you will continue to hold true to your core values that has propelled you to this point. I am very
proud of your success and I wish you well in your future endeavours.

Mr. Dewayne Davis
Dean of Discipline

Message from the Work Experience Co-ordinator

In a flash, right before our very eyes, Note that you will have to be strategic and
intentional in order to create a meaningful space
life as we know it has changed. The for yourself in the immediate post-Covid society.
Novel Corona Virus (Covid 19) has For this to take place, procrastination cannot he
literally flipped the script, and entertained, and focus must be paramount. If you
changed the narrative of how we live have not yet identified your goals, you need to do
daily. What has been for eons the so. Have at least one goal that is practical and
norm of graduating high school, going achievable, to which you will totally commit. Use
on to tertiary learning, or for some this goal as your guide to keep focused and
finding a job, is no longer a determined to achieve greatness.
guaranteed clear cut path. We now
live in an unpredictable world, You have all been exposed to Skill training and
especially as it relates to everyday worthwhile experiences in your different Skill
living. We have all, in some way, Areas. Now is the time to sharpen those learnt skills.
been affected by this pandemic. Your formal education has Having a Skill in the emerging society will make a great
been disrupted, and your final days and most anticipated difference, between you becoming a business owner and a
ones in high school have been notoriously shortened. You regular nine-five worker. For those who will continue to
have been placed in a bubble of anxiety as it relates to your tertiary learning, your Skill will allow you to have a stream
future, and even your mere daily survival. How do we of income that you can use to cushion yourself against
confront this new norm? How do we seek to grow in these economic hardship. Embrace your Skill and the
unprecedented times? Do we fold, or do we swerve? Your opportunity it provides you to become competitive and
answer to these questions will lay the foundation for your financially empowered. A major blessing of the Corona
growth and your eventual successful emergence during Virus, are the many opportunities that are now been
these unchartered times. offered for school leavers and ordinary persons to upskill
themselves through free online courses and scholarships
Jack Ma, owner of Alibaba Group and one of the world's that are been offered by numerous learning institutions and
wealthiest business owners recently stated, “...2020 is agencies. Seize these opportunities. Use them to your
really just a year for staying alive. Don’t even talk about advantage. It is said that, "there are opportunities for
your dreams or plans. Just make sure you stay alive. If you growth in every crisis", and these offerings are
can stay alive, then you would have made a profit already." undoubtedly opportunities sent your way.
While this quote may resonate well with many, and even
you, I would suggest you never let go of your dreams. Finally, remember to always be an inspiration. Be among
Never stop dreaming. Never stop believing that you can, those who survived and thrived during this crisis. You are
and will become that successful individual, albeit in a new now a part of history, and for generations you will tell the
world. tale of this era. You have the power to ensure that your
story is one of survival, empowerment, growth and
Undoubtedly, you will now have to change your course or indomitable success.
the game plan to achieving your dream, but never let it die.
To achieve your dreams, you will have to develop the art Class of 2020, you are survivors. You are achievers. You
of swerving. Learn how to change paths seamlessly. Learn are the game changers.
to switch the plan, and flip the script to fit into the new
norm and the emerging society. Mrs. Janice Clarke-Russell
Work Experience Co-ordinator

Message from the Grade 11 Co-ordinator

Class of 2020, I deem it an honour to salute you on the final leg of your high school

journey. The school year started with great vigor and hope as many of you were anticipating
the joyous feeling of graduation and celebrating your achievements with your friends and
family. However, this joy was thwarted by the sudden onslaught of the COVID19
pandemic. I share in your disappointment as I too was waiting to share this momentous
occasion with you. Despite this setback, I know that God has made you much stronger than
you can imagine and therefore this small bump in the journey of life will not keep you back
but, will instead, propel you forward in achieving life’s goal.

It was Nelson Mandela who said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can
use to change your lives and the world.” Value your education, learn new things every day
and make the most of all the opportunities that come your way. Remember that you cannot learn everything in a
classroom. Getting an education is not just about being at school. acquire new values and attitude every day from your
family, friends and by being a valuable part of your community.

Be courageous, remember to challenge yourself to do things you never thought you could do. Always try to conquer your
fears and have the courage to follow your dreams. Sometimes, having courage is as simple as taking that first small step
into the unknown, or trying new and different things.

This pandemic has shown us the importance of recognizing the purpose of our lives and how terrible it is to waste time.
Graduates, remember every failure, every lesson, is to teach you something. As you embark on this new phase of your
life, do not forget that there may be obstacles for you to overcome on your journey. Naturally, because of these obstacles
you will be better prepared to overcome the trials and tribulations you may face. Therefore, young people, as you go, stay
focused especially in times of crisis, pressure and uncertainty. You have an obligation to yourself.

Go with God, class of 2020, take courage and walk good.

Mrs. Jacqueline Lewis
Grade 11 Co-ordinator

Message from the Head Girl

It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who penned drastically for us with the onslaught of the coronavirus
in the form of Covid 19. I am sure that none of
the thought, “The greatest glory in living us had envisioned that our final months at this
lies not in never falling, but in rising every noble institution would have been so eventful
time we fall. It is a matter of great and would have propelled us into a new way
distinction to be humbled by the faith of learning. But, to God be the glory, although
reposed in me by all of you to elect me as our lives have been somewhat disrupted, we
the head girl of such a highly reputable have started the process of overcoming this
institution. Cambridge High School, an hurdle and are well on our way of adapting to
institution with optimally rounded students, the ‘new normal’ because we have resolved to
has been more than just an educational rise again.
facility for me and other students. It is like
a family which has paved the way in helping me to grow An important lesson I learnt in my past was to never
into the intellectual young woman I am today. It was give up. If you fall down, then get back up and try again.
through the doors of this eminent institution that I My fellow graduates, regardless of what challenges you
became immersed into a mini-society, learning valuable are facing, please be reminded to keep pushing forward,
life lessons and how to deal with the challenges in our because failures are the stepping stones of success and in
everyday life. It has made me a better student, a better order to achieve your goals, your desire for success
leader and most of all a better citizen in society. should be greater than your fear of failure.

At the commencement of my tenure at this noble How many of us succeeded in our mission in the first
institution I never would have believed that the days, attempt? Not many. This illustrates that success is not
weeks, months and years of my high school would have always attained in one trial. If you look at the history of
gone by so quickly. Notwithstanding all the hatred for successful entrepreneurs, you will often see that they had
getting up 5:30 each morning, mourning about sitting in multiple failures before they became successful. I say
long classes and above all, being overloaded with a this to remind you that in the midst of your
variety of homework at times, I never truly saw the time disappointments, you must remember the goal you want
going by. I suppose there is a truth in the saying that, to achieve and use that setback as a motivation to keep
“Time flies when you’re having fun.” trying.

It has been a privilege to have entered the doors of the I leave with you, the powerful words of the great
Cambridge High School and become yet another Winston Churchill who once said, “Success is not final,
addition to the successful individuals being produced failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that
here. I would not describe the process as easy, but with counts.” Find that courage within you and strive to
determination and the constant words of motivation from become the best in what you do.
my principal, teachers, parents and peers; I was highly
enthused to push onwards despite the confrontation of Shantana Stephenson
challenges and hardships. Headgirl

My fellow graduates, you will agree with me that our
school life changed, not only suddenly but also









S. Waisome M. Clarke-Thompson S. Brown
Geography Literacy Co-ordinator Literacy

P. Barnett C. Minto
Mathematics Mathematics

Guidance & Counselling Department Report

The school year 2019-2020 is one that has made history! This as our lives were disrupted in ways we could never have

imagined. Students, when you entered grade 11 in September 2019, the words
covid19 or coronavirus were not a part of your vocabulary, but now these are words
that will never be forgotten.

The coronavirus virus pandemic has taken a grim toll not just on our school system,
but around the world, and you students continue to grapple with the effects of this
crisis on a daily basis. Some parents have lost their jobs, you were unable to attend
your institution for learning, and financial challenges were an understatement. The
Guidance Department was well aware that you were concerned about your
educational well-being, as this was evident in the many discussions held. Thankfully,
many maneuvered successfully the various teaching platforms used, despite not having
any formal introduction to them.

As our grade 11 cohort, you were anticipating many activities, foremost among them, your
graduation. The Guidance Department was looking forward to this event as well. We are
grateful though, for this magazine that will share some of your memories and hard work
accomplished thus far. We asked you grade 11 to pause and reflect on the monthly values done
by the Department and the SWPBIS (School Wide Positive Behaviour Intervention and Support)
framework that governs the school. These values will help you as you continue on
your journey to be successful. Remember the core values- Punctual, Respect, and
Responsible- let them be among the guiding principles that guide your actions.

The Careers' Day event was held for you. Several institutions and organizations were
invited and they made the journey at their own expense, just for you. We were thrilled
to see how you bombarded them with questions, as you wanted to make the right
choice. I am sure that you will not forget the budget fair, and for some, spending an
income was a ‘wake up call’. I am confident though, that the new school year will find
you, not idling or wasting time, but being productive.

Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) was done in previous grades, and some of
you were very active in this programme, even becoming trained advocate against drug abuse,
in an aim to assist your peers. Always get involved in positive activities like these wherever
you go. The Department completed the activities for Parents' Month and Teenage Pregnancy
Awareness Day. Numerous displays were mounted. Students hold on to the powerful messages
that were highlighted.

Yes, we are cognizant of this new norm brought about by covid-19. However, just as you
received constant reminders to keep you safe, we want you grade 11 to let your reflection be
inspiring. Think about all activities done and the positive impact they had on you. Never give
up because of this pandemic, because of being fearful, or for any other reason. Unplugged any negativity harbored within
you, and as you journey on, remember, you will find enjoyment for all your hard work guided by wisdom, knowledge and
skill.

Jacqueline Brown-Munroe
Head of Guidance Department

Mathematics Department
Report

It is with a great sense of pride that the teachers of the

Mathematics Department extend our heartiest
congratulations to the graduating class of 2020. It most
certainly has been a challenging journey; nevertheless, the
end is here. This therefore means that you are overcomers
and a new chapter of your lives will now have to be
written. The tales of this new episode depends greatly on
the knowledge and skills that you have acquired over the
years at Cambridge High School.

It was Shakuntala Devi who said, “Without mathematics, there’s nothing you can do. Everything around you is
mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.” Even though there is the preconceived notion that Mathematics is a
difficult subject, it is quite evident that most things in life will not be achieved without some amount of mathematical
background. Many of our students seemed to have realized this fact and despite their many challenges with the subject,
have made a determined effort to excel in this area, and we wish to commend their efforts. Students, those of you who
were attentive to your teachers, attended early morning classes, participated in our various CSEC workshops, prepared for
the City & Guilds Examination, not to mention those who were thrust into the new norm, yes, online classes due to the
Corona Virus Pandemic; I sincerely hope that your efforts were not in vain. Might I add, that in light of this pandemic
there are many lessons to be learnt, but the most profound I believe is to always expect the unexpected.

Who knew that a highly contagious virus would be the changing agent in how we impart and receive education? Always
remember that Mathematics did not just equip you with arithmetic skills, but that you are now critical thinkers with an
infinite amount of reasoning ability who can analyze situations and give numerous solutions to any problem.

Special commendation must be given to all the teachers in the department who have impacted your Mathematical journey
at Cambridge High in whatever way and also to the Math Coach who went beyond the call of duty to ensure your success.

As you embark on a new journey, we wish you well and always remember, “Life is a math equation. In order to gain the
most, you have to know how to convert negatives into positives.” – Anonymous.

Mrs. Keliesha Davis-Brown
Acting Head of Department

L“ anguage is power in ways more literal than most people

think…why don’t more of us realize the connection between
language and power?” This statement and question from Julia
Penelope have always inspired the members of the Language
Department of the Cambridge High School and as such we have
put strategies in place to enable our students to use language to
empower themselves.

In keeping with this goal, the major objective of the Language Department at Cambridge High School is to get students to
comprehend and use the English language with precision, clarity and grammatical correctness. It is for this reason that the
department took in great consideration the school’s Grade 11 cohort and resolved to ensure that all Grade 11 students
performed at their optimum. One of the first things that was done was to place students in their respective groups where
they could function in order to excel. In addition, we prepared our head boy, Tyreek Annon and deputy head boy,
Dwayne D. Gardener, to participate in the annual Junior Mayor competition .
The hosting of our annual Language Week in January, 2020 was also geared to assist students in sharpening their skills in
Language. The various word games, competitions and puzzles generated much excitement as students had fun while
learning.
In addition, the department held other activities all aimed at assisting in the students’ academic, social, and personal
development. The department wishes to use this opportunity to express sincere gratitude to all the Grade 11 students who
played their role in enabling the department to be placed first in the cultural competition held in February. It is hoped
that you, students, derived tremendous benefits from what the department had to offer.

Grade 11 students, the Language Department uses this medium to further empower you in light of the Covid 19 pandemic.
Who would have thought that your school life would have been disrupted by the onset of the coronavirus? We are aware
of how fragmented and incomplete your high experience seems at this time but we are assuring you that life goes on.
Keep focused on your dreams and aspirations. What seems as a setback can be transformed into a great comeback. Your
tenure at Cambridge High may have ended abruptly but your life- journey has just gone on to a new phase. You were
granted the privilege to experience the ‘new normal’ in the teaching- learning situation and most of you capitalized on the
opportunity to rise above the challenges that Covid 19 presented.

As you leave this noble institution, Grade 11 students, the members of the department hope that you face your challenges
with confidence and determination. We also want to let you know that we wish for you nothing but tremendous success in
your future endeavours. It was Oliver Wendell Holmes who purported, “Language is the blood of the soul into which
thoughts run and out of which they grow”. We implore you to use the power of language to cultivate positive thoughts so
that you will be equipped with the necessary requisites to live a powerful and rewarding life.

Mrs. Angella Allen Scott
Head of Department

Science Department Report

The Cambridge High School and 9C. We entered two (2)
entries into the Scientific
Science Department aims to Research Council essay and
develop in students lively, performing arts competition,
enquiring minds so that they where we went on to the
can increase their knowledge finals. The Science Quiz
and understanding of natural club has increased in
phenomena. We also allow members and participation.
students to acquire scientific These educational events
skills, to learn to solve were geared towards
problems and to learn to make educating our students on
informed judgments. how to become ‘science
Therefore our students are thinkers’ for the future
adequately prepared for the world. development of Jamaica.

The department works assiduously each year in The department also took part in the Social Studies
preparing students at all grade levels, seven (7) Cultural Competition, where we displayed the
through to twelve (12) for both internal and external Chinese culture and was awarded fourth place.
examinations. For this school year we have added a
new subject to the department, CAPE The members of the Science Department are: Mrs.
Environmental Science. This addition is in keeping P. Lawrence Hanson (Chemistry and Environmental
with our aim to help students develop enquiring Science), Mrs. C. Blake Hudson (Human & Social
minds and protect our environment. The dedicated Biology, Biology), Ms. K. Lawrence (Human &
teachers continue to provide an enriching Social Biology), Mr. M. Willams (Physics), Mrs.
environment for learning to take place despite the V. Simpson-Morris, Ms. V. Wright, Ms. P. Wright
limited resources. and Mr. A. Vincent (Lab technician). Two of these
teachers are qualified CXC on-site moderators for
The Science Department continues to provide Chemistry and Integrated Science and CSEC
quality Science Education to all students, in an Emarkers.
effort to accomplish this, students from grade 7 to 9
participated in the annual Science Quiz Competition Mrs Princess Lawrence-Hanson
during the Christmas term where there were Head of Department
winners from each grade. The winners were 7C, 8C

Social Studies Department Report

The Social Studies department has always played a monumental achievements in science, technology and
agriculture. Local achievers were proudly displayed for
vital role in the lives of students and staff of the viewing and edification.The teachers of the department
Cambridge High School. From entry into 1st form, took students on learning outside the classroom in the
students have been taught in the subjects areas offered form of our annual field trip. This received the usual
by the departments even after
students reach upper school and tremendous support from
choose their academic areas of parents, students and staff.
concentration. The Social The field trip for the
department realizes that proper 2019/2020 academic year was
education is not solely based on based on reiterating concepts
excelling in academia. We are learned about the
also a department that focuses on manufacturing sector and
producing well rounded students ecotourism which forms the
to prepare them for the lessons of backbone of the Jamaican
life in the wider society during economy. The students and
and after formal school staff were given the chance to
education. display aspects of Jamaican
The students of the Cambridge culture in celebration of the
High have always showed support and enthusiasm for Annual Jamaica Day.
annual cultural events. For October of the 2019/2020 Class of 2020, the Social Studies department wants to
academic school year, the teachers of the Social Studies thank you for your dedication to academics and your
department organized the customary Heritage week demonstation of culture awareness both inside and
actvities which exposed students and staff members to outside of class. As is the aim of the department to help
Jamaican heritage in the areas of food, music and of you to become intelligent, culturally aware and
course local talent. The students of Cambridge High upstanding citizens, we will miss daily interactions with
enjoyed the culmination of Heritage week 2019 with the you and we look forward to seeing you continue
annual staging of the Miss Culture Queen competition blooming into fully functional individuals, oozing with
with participants from all grades, some of whom who are success, intelligence and the positive drive our society
also leaders in the the Cambridge High School Culture needs to continue economic,political and social
Club. This culture competition has always helped to development. We will cherish the years you spent at
mold and showcase the students’ public speaking Cambridge High being 'our children'. As a parent
abilities, talent, self confidence and most importantly; supports a child until he/she can walk on their own, it is
cultural awareness. After all, what good is a people not now time for us to release your hand. The Social Studies
knowing and embracing their heritage? department loves you all, 'Walk Good'.
In February 2020 , in commemoration of Black History
month, the focus was on black people who have made Miss Tricia Hylton
Actg. Head of Deparment

Rewind The

2015-2020



Prize Giving

Miss Culture Queen
2019

Extra Curricula Activities



“I planned each charted course, of the West Indies to complete a certificate
course in the teaching of Mathematics. In 1976
Each careful step along the he was the recipient of a scholarship which
byway enabled him to read for a Bachelor of Arts
degree where he majored in Economics and
And more, much more than this Mathematics at the same renowned university.
In addition, he earned a Certificate in School
I did it my way” Management from a course that was
administered by the Ministry of Education.
This quotation from Frank
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never know
Sinatra’s famous song, ‘My where his influence stops”
Way’ epitomizes the life and
unique leadership style of one of Embracing this ideal, Mr. McFarlane returned
Jamaica’s illustrious educators, to Maldon Secondary School after his studies,
Rhudal Victor McFarlane J.P., a to teach his favourite subject, Mathematics.
man who was pre-ordained to His excellent stewardship and his commitment
honour his Maker through his to duty enabled him to ascend the
administrative ladder in the roles of senior
service to mankind, Mr. teacher, vice-principal and acting principal in
McFarlane was destined to enter quick succession.
the noble profession of teaching
and later to be distinguished as a

remarkable educator who
attained regional and national
distinction for his extraordinary
contribution to nation building.

It was evident from early
that service to his nation was inherent in Mr.
McFarlane’s blood as his initiation to the
teaching profession commenced at the Salter’s
Hill All Age School during his teenaged years
and a short time after he moved to his Alma
Mata, Vaughnsfield All Age School. The
experiences at these educational institutions
cemented his resolve that the moulding of
young lives was his calling, hence; he enrolled
at the Mico Teachers’ College to acquire the
necessary accreditation in Mathematics,
Science and Music. Equipped with a credit
certificate, this newly trained enthusiastic
teacher returned to Maroon Town to serve his
community at the then Maldon Secondary
School where he taught Mathematics and
Science. Some years later, the flame of
ambition consumed him and he recognized
that, “Life was a great big canvas” and, as
such, he should, “throw all the paint he could
on it” so, in 1972, he enrolled at the University

Fuelled with the passion of ambition and his Furthermore, the skill teachers were
personal philosophy that, “In the flow of time, empowered to capacitate themselves so they
an opportunity lost is lost forever,” he would be better able to improve the students.
accepted the challenge for the post of principal In addition, he celebrated the teachers who
at the then Cambridge Secondary , later capitalized on the opportunities to upgrade
Cambridge Comprehensive and now themselves so they would know that what they
Cambridge High School in January, 1983. were doing was worthwhile. Today,
Under his management, the enrolment at the Cambridge High School is renowned for its
school moved from three hundred (300) to one outstanding achievement in the vocational
thousand, eight hundred (1800) students and areas.
the teaching staff tripled.
During his nearly twenty- A true educator in every
seven years tenure, this sense, Mr. McFarlane was a
visionary leader role model to the students,
demonstrated not only his teachers and other workers.
incredible frugality but also He led by example;
his ingenuity by demonstrating rather than
transforming the physical instructing. These myriad of
plant. Over thirty (30) experiences enriched the
additional classrooms, which lives of students as well as
include an e-learning teachers.
laboratory, three (3) science
laboratories, a sick bay and a This optimally rounded
stationery room were intellectual individual
created. The staffroom was recognized that a sound mind
extended and an auditorium in a sound body is
emerged between the undoubtedly the most prized
vocational skill blocks. resource a man can possess.
Hence, Mr. Rhudal
As an effective visionary, McFarlane included athletics
Mr. McFarlane realised that in his daily routine. Over the
he had to equip his students for the future. As years he gained significant rewards for his
a result, he spent a great deal of time and effort efforts. In the western region of Jamaica he
developing the skills so that the students could earned the reputation as an astute long distance
benefit tremendously. The academic athlete and an accomplished cricketer. At the
programmes of the school were also positively Caribbean Senior games held in Trinidad in
impacted when he introduced subjects such as 2006, he won three gold medals and also a
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, bronze medal for his exceptional performance
Geography and English Literature into the in the 400 meters, 800 meters, 1500 meters
curriculum. This introduction afforded the and Medley Relay, respectively. Locally, on
students a balance so they could enter tertiary two occasions he successfully competed in the
level intuitions as well as gain profitable 10k Marathon staged in Montego Bay. It must
employment in society. Today, our graduates be noted that, at Cambridge High School
are serving in almost every sphere of society. Annual Sports Day event would not be
An extraordinary feat associated with his complete without Mr. McFarlane’s
implementation is that the present principal participation in the Cross Country and Staff
and one of the vice-principals of Cambridge Races.
High are graduates of this noble institution.
.Mr. Rhudal McFarlane was inspired by the
This educator extraordinaire not only catered words of Frank Sinatra, “I faced it all and I
to the students but he also inspired his team to stood tall and did it my way” because he
work towards achieving self-actualization. knew that courage would triumph over all

difficulties and place a man at the highest words from his favourite song, “For what is a
point of his profession, therefore, in keeping man, what has he got, if not himself, then he
his ‘anthem,’ he did it his way. has naught”. He did it his way.

On reflecting on his illustrious career, one He laboured until the end and is now resting
cannot help but conclude that Mr. McFarlane from his labours. Such was the magnitude of
was indeed a man of great courage. His this dynamic educator.
versatility as a noble steward, strict
disciplinarian, philosopher, advisor, historian, Master educator, you will be remembered by
musician, athlete and inspirational leader has the Cambridge High school family as a
not gone unnoticed. Indeed, Mr. McFarlane’s disciplinarian who did all in your power for
accomplishment as a respected leader led to the students and teachers to succeed, a leader
his appointment as Justice of the Peace in who was determined to build and improve the
1988. As a part of its institution in every way, as our resident story
recognition of this
stalwart in education, the teller and our wit and
Cambridge High School humour specialist
fraternity also honoured especially when you took
him with the Quality on the role of comedian.
Leadership Award in
2008. He was also the As we say farewell to this
recipient of the Prime measure of a man, we
Minister’s Medal for were not able to capture
outstanding service in the full story in this
education in May, 2009. homily but have
In addition, he received the Jamaica Teachers’ encapsulated many
Association Golden Torch Award for long memories that we will forever treasure.
service in education. The Association of
Principals and Vice-Principals also awarded Walk good, run well, play your guitar and sing
him for his contribution to education. your favourite your song of all times,

The pleasant memories of this master educator “I’ve lived a life that’s full
will forever be etched in the lives of the many
persons he touched, especially those of the I’ve travelled each and every highway
Cambridge community. He came, he built, he
expanded, he empowered, he demonstrated, he And more, much more than this… the record
accomplished. All of his valiant efforts shows”
resulted in his name being a household name
in Cambridge and its environs where persons Rhudal Victor McFarlane, that you did it, your
spoke endearingly about “Mr. Mac’s school” way.
rather than “Cambridge High School”

He was a man of action who always
articulated, “I prefer to wear out, than rust
out”. His countless pronouncements of this
mantra was testimony to his unwavering
commitment to the education system. And,
even after his retirement from his ordained
calling, he demonstrated to the world his
determination not to ‘rust out’. Not even the
newly discovered health issue could have
made him ‘rust out’. He was inspired by these